A 68-year-old Thomson man was taken into custody at his home by local authorities late Saturday on charges related to sexual misconduct involving a child.

Investigator Lt. Scott Whittle of the Thomson Police Department identified the suspect as Thomas Malcolm "Mac" Henderson, of the 600 block of Dogwood Drive. Lt. Whittle said Mr. Henderson, who was arrested about 11 p.m., was charged with one count of child molestation, one count of enticing a child for indecent purposes and terroristic threats and acts.

He was taken to the McDuffie County Law Enforcement Center by uniformed officers with the Thomson Police Department.

Mr. Henderson, a retiree, is accused of having offered the child a ride on Saturday about noon as the child was walking along Gordon Street in Thomson, according to Lt. Whittle. At the time, it was raining, and the child agreed to accept a ride from the man.

Lt. Whittle said the child was taken to an undisclosed location where sexual acts occurred. Afterwards, the child told an adult what had happened. The adult later notified authorities with Officer Marquis Murray going to interview the adult and victim initially about what happened, the investigator said. The officer later spoke by telephone with Lt. Whittle, informing him about the reported crimes.

Later, Lt. Whittle said he contacted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for assistance. Special Agent Joe Brown from the GBI Region 7 Office in Thomson later arrived and began probing the case with police.

Based on information provided by the victim, police gradually learned more and more as the investigation progressed. After determining where the crimes reportedly occurred, Lt. Whittle said a search warrant was obtained and the suspect arrested. Mr.Henderson was taken into custody by Sgt. John James and Officer Matt Massey.